Question about what order and spacing between IPL, electrolysis, dermaplaning & microneedling?

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. Establishing a consistent treatment routine for IPL, electrolysis, dermaplaning, and microneedling is essential for achieving optimal skin results while minimizing irritation. Here’s a suggested order and spacing for these treatments. Start with IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) every four weeks. IPL is excellent for targeting pigmentation, redness, and overall skin texture. After an IPL session, it’s important to give your skin a week to recover. This allows any initial redness or sensitivity to subside before introducing other treatments. Next, incorporate microneedling, ideally one week after your IPL treatment. Microneedling helps stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. Since IPL can make your skin more sensitive, waiting a week allows your skin to heal and be better prepared for the microneedling process. Electrolysis can be scheduled at various points in this cycle, but it’s best to space it out. You can have electrolysis done about one to two weeks after IPL or microneedling. If you choose to do electrolysis after microneedling, ensure your skin has fully healed before proceeding, as both treatments can cause sensitivity. Finally, dermaplaning should be scheduled about one to two weeks after microneedling. This timing ensures your skin has had time to recover while allowing for the benefits of exfoliation to enhance the results of the previous treatments. I hope this helps and best of luck!

When planning a schedule for IPL, electrolysis, dermaplaning, and microneedling, it's important to consider the healing time and skin sensitivity associated with each treatment. Here is a suggested order and spacing:

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Therapy: Typically performed every 4 weeks. IPL can make the skin more sensitive, so it is best to give your skin some time to recover before undergoing other treatments.

Electrolysis: Since IPL can make the skin sensitive, it's advisable to wait at least 4-7 days after IPL before undergoing electrolysis. Electrolysis can also cause minor irritation, so allow your skin to heal before having another treatment.

Dermaplaning: This can be performed about 4 days after electrolysis, as you have done before. Dermaplaning exfoliates the skin and can enhance the absorption of skincare products. It is gentle enough to be done after the skin has calmed from electrolysis.

Microneedling: Consider adding microneedling about 1-2 weeks after dermaplaning. Microneedling requires some downtime (around 3-5 days for initial healing), and it’s best to ensure your skin is fully recovered from previous treatments to maximize results and minimize irritation.

General Tips:

Always consult with your dermatologist or skincare professional to tailor this schedule to your skin’s specific needs and sensitivities.
Ensure your skin is well-hydrated and protected with sunscreen, especially after treatments that can increase sensitivity to sunlight.
Monitor your skin’s response to the treatments and adjust timing if you notice excessive irritation or prolonged redness.
By following a structured schedule, you can optimize the benefits of each treatment while minimizing potential irritation.